Frankford Community Blog | Local News, Events, Community Resources
After a decade of vacancy, a new owner has taken control of a neglected 19th century Northeast Philadelphia landmark. Follow the link below for the rest of the story.
“Residents discussed a variety of neighborhood issues at the Nov. 20 Northwood Civic Association meeting.
Among the topics were two vacant or soon-to-be-vacant properties — the old Frankford YMCA building, 4704 Leiper St., and National Wholesale Liquidators, 900 Orthodox St., which is closing soon.
The YMCA closed in 2009 and was put up for sale earlier this year. It is owned by a local nonprofit headed by attorney Frank Bennett, and an online real estate listing advertised an asking price of just under $200,000.
NCA President Joe Krause said the large property, which is in poor condition, has secured a buyer named Steven Ostroff.”
Read the rest of the story by Jack Tomczuk at the link below.
Source: Northwood residents talk neighborhood issues – Northeast Times
The Northwood Civic Association met for the first time at Simpson Recreation Center on Arrott Street on November 15th.
One discussion was the future renovation of the building at Simpson which is due for a major overhaul after several years of deteriorating conditions and a search for funding.
A resident reported concerns about apartment buildings on the 5200 block of Oxford Avenue concerning maintenance and possible drug dealing.
The conservatorship case is still ongoing with the house on the 5000 block of Oxford Avenue. Several other properties are under consideration.
The Duplex at 5114 Castor Avenue which is zoned legally but still in violation of the Northwood deed restriction will continue unless neighbors are willing to file a civil suit against the owners. Northwood Civic is willing to help in that effort but legally it is the local neighbors who must file suit.
Joe Krause says the Civic is still in need of some new board members. There is work to be done and they need your time and talent.
The next meeting of the Northwood Civic Association will be held on December 20th at 7 PM at the Simpson Recreation Center, 1010 Arrott Street.
The new owner of the property at 5114 Castor Avenue has applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to convert the property to a triplex. This is a direct violation of the Berk Deed Restriction which has preserved the value and integrity of our neighborhood for nearly a century. The applicant (owner) will present their plans to the Northwood Civic Association and neighbors of Northwood at the June 21st meeting.
It is extremely important that all residents attend this meeting to voice their opinions and concerns and question the applicant as to their intent for our neighborhood. If you are unaware of what the Berk Deed Restriction is comprised of and what value it has to the value of your home, I urge you to attend this most important meeting and we will discuss its content.
Also at the meeting will be the new organizer of The Friends of Northwood Park group. This is a new resident to Northwood who recognized the value of our park and took action. Just last week this group had 6 city trucks at Northwood Park filled with garbage and articles from illegal dumping. Please attend to hear the plans this group has for Northwood Park going forward.
Northwood Civic Association Meeting
June 21st, 2016 7:00PM
St. James Church Castor Avenue and Pratt Streets
Joe Krause, President of the Northwood Civic, opened the meeting on January 20th, with the treasurer’s report.
A donation was made before Christmas by the Civic to a family who had a significant loss in a burglary in November. State Representative, Jason Dawkins, also made a donation of toys to the children in the family, since their gifts were also stolen. Krause noted that there are not a lot of burglaries in Northwood but residents should be vigilant and always keeps your doors and windows locked.
The problem with the “ad hoc” car lot on the 900 block of Foulkrod Street continues. The police are being called whenever those untagged cars are parked in the area.
Tom McAvoy, President of the Northwood Town Watch, reported that Councilwoman Sanchez will introduce legislation that will ban truck parking throughout Northwood. Tom met Sanchez at a recent meeting on the Land Bank program, and talked to her about the problem. She was happy to help and told his exactly what was needed.
The water department will be doing major construction on Adams Avenue to replace water pipes. They are being invited to a meeting to explain to residents the timing and exactly what it will involve. It may be done during the Summer. They have been doing the same on Orthodox since the Fall. The section West of Frankford Avenue up to Penn Street is complete and now they are working East of Frankford Avenue near Torresdale. The date of the meeting will be announced when it is confirmed.
Residents on the 1200 block of Arrott Street have been living with a problem tenant who caused a fire that took down one house there. They are naturally concerned about the situation since he remains on the block. Drugs are at the heart of the issue.
The next meeting of the Northwood Civic Association will be on February 17th at 7PM at St. James Lutheran Church.
